Bird’s ID – Vermillion Flycatcher

Vermillion Flycatcher

The Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus obscurus) is a small passerine bird in the Tyrannidae, or tyrant flycatcher family. Most flycatchers are rather drab, but the vermilion flycatcher is a striking exception. It is a favorite with birders, but is not generally kept in aviculture, as the males tend to lose their vermilion coloration when in captivity.

The vermilion flycatcher is a small bird, measuring 13–14 cm (5.1–5.5 in) in length, with a mass between 11 and 14 g (0.39 and 0.49 oz). It is strongly dimorphic; males are bright red, with dark brown plumage. Females have a peach-colored belly with a dark gray upperside.

Vermilion flycatchers generally prefer somewhat open areas, and are found in trees or shrubs in savannah, scrub, agricultural areas, riparian woodlands, and desert as well, but usually near water. Their range includes almost all of Mexico; it extends north into the southwestern United States, and south to scattered portions of Central America, parts of northwestern and central South America. It has ranged as far north as Canada.

The flycatchers feed mostly on insects such as flies, grasshoppers and beetles. These are usually taken in mid-air, after a short sally flight from a perch. It is an opportunistic feeder, and has been observed eating small fish.Bees may also be taken as forage. Non-digestible insect parts are regurgitated as pellets.

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15 thoughts on “Bird’s ID – Vermillion Flycatcher”

Indira on July 24, 2019 at 8:34 am said:

True to its name! Beautiful!

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- H.J. for avian101 on July 24, 2019 at 7:42 pm said:
  
  Thank you, Indira. 🙂
  
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sv-anui.com on July 24, 2019 at 12:29 pm said:

Beautiful bird and so colourful!

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- H.J. for avian101 on July 24, 2019 at 8:08 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much, Chris. 🙂
  
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tanjabrittonwriter on July 24, 2019 at 3:44 pm said:

Lovely, H.J. I usually have to travel to New Mexico to see this bird, but once I got to enjoy one close to home:
http://tanjabrittonwriter.com/2018/04/27/fire-head/
Thank you,
Tanja

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- H.J. for avian101 on July 24, 2019 at 8:19 pm said:
  
  They are really beautiful birds. Thank you for sharing, Tanja. 🙂
  
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  - tanjabrittonwriter on July 25, 2019 at 8:42 pm said:
    
    Thank you, H.J.
Jane's Heartsong on July 24, 2019 at 11:13 pm said:

Interesting mottling-is that because peak breeding season is passing?

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- H.J. for avian101 on July 25, 2019 at 6:17 pm said:
  
  It could be, 🙂 although, there are many factors that this happens. 🙂
  
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Lisa Rest on July 24, 2019 at 11:22 pm said:

Aw, I never tire of Vermilion Flycatchers. One in a Vermilion. (sorry!) They always surprise me, as a little cheeky, even. I think they know how to capture our devoted attention.

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- H.J. for avian101 on July 25, 2019 at 6:20 pm said:
  
  These birds are very attractive and they are hard to miss when you see them flying from tree to tree, Thanks, Lisa. 🙂
  
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bayphotosbydonna on July 26, 2019 at 7:33 am said:

A gorgeous bird, one I hope to capture some day!! 🙂

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- H.J. for avian101 on July 26, 2019 at 5:03 pm said:
  
  Everything is possible, my friend. 🙂
  
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